THE METAPHYSICAL PRINCIPLE IN THE BHAGAVADGĪTĀ 2.27

Binod Kumar Agarwala

Abstract

A metaphysical principle is stated in Bhagavadgītā 2.27, which deals with the relationship between the first and the last of the six vikāras (modes) of bhāva (being). But, none of the traditional commentators of the Bhagavadgītā could grasp the exact meaning and significance of this metaphysical principle. These commentators turned the metaphysical principle erroneously into a theory of cycle of birth and death in the saṃsāra governed by law of karma. The traditional commentators are not actually faithful to the nuances of the terms and syntax of the verses due to their prior doctrinal commitments, which prevent them from seeing the meaning present in them. The modern commentators like Angelika Malinar see Bhagavadgītā 2.27 as part of a Kṛṣṇa’s speech of consolation for grieving Arjuna. This reading is also problematic. If Kṛṣṇa’s speech in Bhagavadgītā 2.11-30 is a speech of consolation then given the kind of metaphysical statements are included in the speech, it would also automatically become a speech for justification of killing and war. It will be argued in the present essay that the metaphysical principle stated in Bhagavadgītā 2.27 is necessary for explaining the idea of yajña karma, which is collective institutional action.

All authors must sign a Copyright Transfer Agreement (CTA) for all papers accepted for publication. Signing the CTA is a condition of publication and papers will not be forwarded to the publisher for production unless a signed form has been received (US Federal Government employees need to complete the Author Warranty sections, although copyright in such cases does not need to be assigned). After submission, authors will retain the right to publish their papers in various media/circumstances (please see the form for further details). Please return the completed form to: